Parramatta Eels are set to extend Prop Forward and Vice-Captain Junior Paulo past 2026. The 32 year old has played 263 NRL games, 208 for Parramatta. A new deal in 2027 can lead him to passing 300 NRL games.
I am surprised but also in hindsight it makes sense. Paulo had a great year, though statistically it was nowhere near his best, his influence was evident. His leadership and the resepect he garners is imperative to this squad. If it is one year he will 34 a the end of the deal. His is slowing down but it could be, if we add Keaon Koloamatangi especially, is move Paulo into that impact bench role. He can play a part in that role for sure.
I went into 2025 thinking like some, I understand why Paulo stayed over RCG, though he might give it a miss this year or next. But mid way through this year i saw that Paulo was playing well enough to keep going.
I just wonder how it all fits with the likes of Paulo, KK, Hopgood, De Belin, Tuivaiti, Walker and Moretti to fit them all in. Particularly since Ryles likes to play two Hookers, though also Ryles seemed wanting to get younger but have Paulo and de Belin possibly in 2027 being 33 and 36 in the middle.
Anyway i do not see him going anywhere, other than SL, so a deal should be able to be done reletively easily.
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If it is a one year deal, which more likely is the case, then I am fine with it too.
If it's a 1 yr deal on 5-600k, why not just extend de belin on a third of that instead?
They play very different roles. JDB is in the team for his work rate while Paulo is there for is carries.
Both play 60 odd minutes. Personally I don't think Paulo adds anything in terms of carries anymore
Yeah de Belin is there for his defence and toughness. Paulo is more of a finesse player and adds leadership. He is very respected at the club from everyone.
Same. I would do it. But he needs to be coming of the bench in 2027.
Junior was a big part of the squad accepting Ryles and his playing style. He was one of the true leaders in the change and he physically represented it by dropping weight. His form for Samoa was outstanding after a tough NRL season and he remains a key leader for our Islander juniors coming through.
I could see him adopting a Josh Papali'i type role towards the end of his contract where he's there more for experience over impact, but he still plays his role.
We just have to be planning accordingly and ensuring that the young blokes we bring through don't have their paths blocked if they are NRL quality.
Wow that's an interesting one. Junior will be 33 at the start of the season, and Debellin 36. For the record in the 2023 NRL season there were only 7 players aged 34 and 9 players aged 33that were able to play NRL.
Throw in Mitch comming up to 34 and Addo carr 32, and Dylan Walker 33 if resigned. We certainly have the 1 element required to win a premiership in bucketloads. Experienced players. As long as that old adage holds true, then a premiership beckons dosnt it?
Perhaps Management need to begin looking elsewhere in the sponsorship dept like True Blue Mobility Scooters or Oticon hearing aids, they may very well have some poster boys playing in 2027 that embody the brands. mmmmmmmm I'd love to hear management have been able to secure the services of some 25-28 year old in demand stars of the game. I hear we need those types to win a premiership as well.
For the record in the 2023 NRL season there were only 7 players aged 34 and 9 players aged 33that were able to play NRL....Gulp...and the game isn't slowing down is it
Not with 6 agains, and rules in place to speed the game up.
Perhaps the hits are less punishing due to fatigue.
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